Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – My name is Iskandar; I am a British Muslim revert from Norwich. I fell in love with Allah and Islam during my A Levels, and I have deeply appreciated the chance to become involved with the global religious community.
I first reverted to my new faith, and took the Shahada, while I was studying Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Exeter, but due to the fact that I struggled to learn Arabic I later moved to the University of East Anglia. Knowing that I was going to come to do an internship at Morocco World News, I reverted for a second time at Cambridge Central Mosque in Cambridge.
Upon arriving in Morocco, I immediately noticed the strong religious community around me. The country is 99% Muslim with most of its citizens being followers of the faith. I first discussed taking the Shahada with my program director Ali at MCAS Arabic, and he informed me that it would be possible to take the Shahada and revert to Islam in Morocco. I felt that to take the Shahada again in a Muslim-majority nation would be a wonderful way to reaffirm my faith.
The mosque that I visited to perform the Shahada was the Sidi Mohammed Laghmari Masjid, located near the Restaurant De La Liberation on Mohammed V Avenue. When I entered the Masjid, I decided to wear the traditional Moroccan clothing of the djellaba as well as a “Tarbouch” hat, as a sign of respect for Moroccan culture. When I was welcomed into the Masjid, I immediately noticed the Islamic architecture and the ornate designs of the building’s interior.
I entered the Masjid removing my shoes and placing them along with my bag on the edge of the Musalla. I then went to the location of the Wudu basin to perform the ablution. I felt cleansed and refreshed ready to perform the Jummah.
The midday Jummah prayer began at around 1:30 p.m., with the Islamic Qur’anic recitation being performed through the Masjid speakers. I sat in the direction towards the Qiblah in Mecca, the centre of spiritual Islam. The Imam then came to the Mihrab to perform their Khutbah. I do not understand Arabic, but I feel it is one of the most beautiful languages in the world. While I might not have understood the words, my heart filled with love and appreciation for Allah as I took part in the prayer.
My program host Ali introduced me to a number of important people within the Masjid, including the Nazir and the Imam. Both were extremely kind and welcoming and accepted me because of shared faith. The Nazir is the caretaker of the Masjid and its religious position. The Imam is the spiritual leader who leads the prayer and delivers the sermons.
After we had performed Jummah I was invited to the front of the congregation. I was supported by a translator, and I took the Shahada, delivering my declaration of faith as I repeated after the Imam, “There is no God, but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” As I performed the Shahada I was filled with joy from Allah’s greatness and love for me.
In front of the congregation, I then confirmed my new Islamic name, “Iskandar”. Many of the congregation then came to greet me into the Ummah as a fellow brother of faith.
This was an incredibly important religious declaration as I formally renewed my pledge of faith to Allah and joined the Moroccan Ummah. As I am going to be in Morocco over the next few months, I would like to become further integrated into the Islamic community performing prayers in Moroccan Masjids and meet fellow brothers and sisters.
I arrived in Morocco the weekend before the religious holiday and celebration Eid Al Adha, and I took my Shahada in the corresponding Jum’ah, Friday prayer. I was able to attend the Eid prayers, a practice I now have in common with the fellow Moroccan citizens. I feel privileged and honored to have taken part in such a spiritual and meaningful commitment to Islam.
